FM 34-25-2
APPENDIX B
MANEUVER-UAV
The M-UAV has an extremely small signature when compared to other UAV systems or reconnaissance
units. It operates effectively from small clearings, parking lots, or compounds, and its small visual and radar
signatures enhance its survivability. This feature increases the operational flexibility of the M-UAV system.
The
M-UAV is relatively simple to operate and requires few dedicated personnel or trained UAV operators.
MISSION
The primary function of the M-UAV is to provide annotated imagery (such as,
DTG, mission number, coordinates, and direction of image), data
dissemination, launch, recovery, and mission control in close proximity to the
FLOT. The M-UAV is capable of penetrating up to 50 km into enemy airspace
during both day and night, and provides near all-weather RISTA. In addition,
the M-UAV can accomplish any of the UAV missions listed in Chapter 1.
ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
Once fielded, the M-UAV will be found in the DS and GS companies of the
heavy, light, airborne, and air assault division's MI battalion. The DS
companies will have one baseline system while the GS companies will have
two.
The DS companies give the brigades direct control of UAV's and allow for—
A dramatic increase in the potential number of targets detected on the
battlefield.
An ability to focus on the targets threatening the brigade.
An improved loss exchange ratio throughout the entire battlefield.
An increased ability to project forces to the depth of the enemy
defenses.
EQUIPMENT
The M-UAV system will duplicate much of the JT-UAV ground equipment. The
JT-UAV ground equipment that is too large or cumbersome will be downsized
for the M-UAV system. In either case, the two systems will be fully
interoperable as described in Chapter 1. Figure B-1 shows the approximate MUAV baseline system.
B-1
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CAPABILITIES
The following capabilities have been identified in the M-UAV master fielding
plan:
Cruise speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 kts.
Maximum altitude . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10,000 ft.
Endurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 hrs.
Modular mission payload . . . . Stabilized day/night imagery.
Data link . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 km.
B-2
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LIMITATIONS
The exact limitations will depend on the UAV that is fielded. The following
limitations are inherent to the M-UAV system:
Reduced size and limited endurance of the M-UAV will require
repetitive launches to maintain surveillance for extended periods.
Reduced size of the ground stations means that complete analysis of
payload products requires support from other sources.
The AV and the GCS nonencrypted signals are exploitable by threat
EW systems.
The AV and current payloads are not hardened and therefore
vulnerable to threat small arms, antiaircraft artillery (AAA), or laser.
AIRSPACE MANAGEMENT IN SUPPORT OF MILITARY OPERATIONS
The airspace management of the M-UAV is accomplished through the
combined use of ROZs and blanket altitudes as described in Chapter 3.
Responsibilities for obtaining airspace are also described in Chapter 3.
All manned aircraft working in the vicinity of a UAV unit will check with the
appropriate airspace control agency on arrival and be advised of UAV status.
The following information is available from the airspace control agency:
ROZ location and status.
UAV blanket altitude height and status.
UAVs current location and altitude.
The UAV mission flight crew can change the flight route, altitude, or location of
the UAV, if directed, by the appropriate airspace command authority.
NATIONAL AIRSPACE SYSTEM
Airspace management in the NAS is outlined in Chapter 3. The M-UAV must
follow all of the FAA regulations and ARs that apply.
OPERATIONS
As in all other systems, tasking will drive mission planning. Due to its robust
capabilities, a number of options are available in system deployment. Based
on the requirements of the mission and the UAV's capabilities, a detailed
mission plan will be developed. All essential elements must be considered and
included in the plan, including site selection and availability, airspace
coordination, weather, target location, collection requirements, the threat,
payload, fuel requirements, altitude, speed, loiter times, crew manning, UAV
return home locations, and emergency recovery options. Mission planning is
the responsibility of the UAV team performing the mission.
B-3
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EMPLACEMENT
While many variations are possible, the normal configuration for M-UAV
emplacement is a single site operation. The site selection criteria are
explained in Chapter 2, but the size of the launch area needs to be
approximately 30 m x 75 m x 10 m.
TRANSPORTABILITY
The M-UAV system is capable of being transported in a C-130 or larger
aircraft. Separate components can be lifted by a CH-47 or CH-53. The system
is required to be configured for air, rail, or marine transport in two hours or
less. The ground components will be mounted on HMMWVs.
B-4